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The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), the Hong Kong Copyright Licensing Association (HKCLA) and the Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society (HKRRLS) today (February 16) jointly launched the "Reward Scheme to Combat Copying and Distribution Offence".
Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence and Investigation) of the C&ED, Mr Tam Yiu-keung, signed an agreement with the Chairman of the HKCLA, Ms Judy Cheng, and the Deputy Chairman of the HKRRLS, Mr Lee Wai-wing, to mark the launching of the reward scheme.
The aim of the reward scheme is to encourage members of the public to provide information for Customs to combat organisations involving in activities such as infringing copyright or making copies of newspapers and magazine, books or periodicals for distribution without authorisation of the copyright owner for the purpose of trade/business to an extent leading to a financial loss to the copyright owner.
The reward scheme is financed by HKCLA and HKRRLS, and administered by the Hong Kong Customs.
The basic requirements for the payment of reward are:
1. the magazine(s), newspaper(s), book(s) or periodical(s) being made for distribution or distributed is (are) published by publishers participating in the reward scheme; and
2. the copying and distribution offence did not take place at premises which are a known target of Customs.
Subject to the fulfilment of the above requirements, reward money may be payable to a person providing information as follows:
1. Initial Payment ($5,000 - $10,000): Any information leading to the arrest of any person and seizure of infringing copies being made for distribution/distributed within specified period in a printed form that is contained in magazine(s), newspaper(s), book(s) or periodical(s).
2. Additional Payment ($5,000 - $10,000): For information leading to any successful criminal conviction under the Copyright Ordinance.
Mr Tam said after the signing ceremony: "This reward scheme will assist the Hong Kong Customs in obtaining more accurate intelligence so as to facilitate immediate enforcement actions."
Members of the public can provide information by e-mail (customsenquiry@customs.gov.hk) or through the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182. All information relating to informants will be treated confidentially.
A person who commits a copying and distribution offence under the Copyright Ordinance may be liable to a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment and a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy.
Ends/Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:27
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